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DNB Emergency Medicine Previous Year Questions

These are the DNB Emergency Medicine theory questions asked by NBEMS in the December 2025 and June 2025 exams, listed paper by paper as they appeared. The Prep DNB app has all 20 DNB sessions from December 2016 to December 2025 — 800 questions in total — with repeat-question tracking, examiner keywords and MCQs.

Jump to: December 2025 · June 2025 · Important topics · Older papers

DNB Emergency Medicine December 2025 Question Paper

Paper 1

  1. a) Describe the pathophysiology of pulmonary tuberculosis infection. [6] b) Explain the physiological basis of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. [4]
  2. a) Discuss the nonconventional analgesics used in the emergency department. [5] b) Describe the mechanism of action and adverse effects of local anesthetics. [5]
  3. a) Explain the acid-base changes in salicylate poisoning. [5] b) Describe the compensatory mechanisms in metabolic alkalosis. [5]
  4. a) Outline the principles of fluid compartments and distribution of crystalloids with the help of a depiction. [5] b) Describe the pathophysiology and homeostasis of sodium. [5]
  5. a) Discuss the role of biomarkers in acute myocardial infarction. [5] b) Compare the scores used in emergency department for prognosticating patients with Non ST elevation MI. [5]
  6. a) Explain the pathophysiology of shock at the cellular level. [5] b) Discuss the concept of hemostatic hypotensive resuscitation. [5]
  7. a) Describe the anatomical landmarks and technique for lumbar puncture. [5] b) Discuss CSF findings in bacterial vs viral meningitis. [5]
  8. a) Describe the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of amiodarone. [5] b) Describe the role of etomidate in RSI and its contraindications. [5]
  9. a) Discuss the physiology, application and complications of non invasive ventilation in the emergency department. [5] b) Describe the complications of permanent pacemaker. [5]
  10. a) Describe the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve with the help of a diagram and its clinical implications. [5] b) Explain the Bohr and Haldane effects. [5]

Paper 2

  1. a) Describe the classification and management of pelvic fractures in trauma. [5] b) Discuss the role of pelvic binders and angiographic embolization. [5]
  2. a) Outline the approach to penetrating abdominal trauma. [5] b) Describe indications for laparotomy in abdominal trauma. [5]
  3. a) Discuss the pathophysiology and management of compartment syndrome. [5] b) Describe the technique and indications for fasciotomy. [5]
  4. a) Describe the mechanism and classification of spinal cord injuries. [5] b) Discuss the role of methylprednisolone in spinal trauma. [5]
  5. a) Outline the management of traumatic globe rupture in the ED. [5] b) Describe the classification and treatment of zygomatic fractures. [5]
  6. a) Describe the ED approach to traumatic diaphragmatic injury, including clinical signs and imaging modalities. [5] b) Discuss the indications, technique, and complications of emergency thoracotomy in trauma. [5]
  7. a) Explain the emergency management of posterior dislocation of hip. [5] b) Discuss complications of prolonged tourniquet application. [5]
  8. a) Describe the ED management of traumatic urethral injury. [6] b) Discuss the ED management of fistula-in-ano. [4]
  9. a) Outline the management of auricular laceration. [5] b) Describe airway challenges in facial trauma. [5]
  10. a) Discuss the emergency management of swallowed foreign body in adult patient. [5] b) Enumerate the differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant pain. [5]

Paper 3

  1. a) Discuss the diagnostic criteria and ED management of tumour lysis syndrome. [5] b) Describe the management of hypercalcemia and hyperuricemia in this patient. [5]
  2. a) Outline the ED approach to acute adrenal crisis. [5] b) Discuss the role of hydrocortisone and fluid therapy in acute adrenal crisis. [5]
  3. a) Describe the clinical features and ECG findings in hyperkalemia. [5] b) Discuss emergency treatment of hyperkalemia. [5]
  4. a) Explain the pathophysiology and management of serotonin syndrome. [5] b) Differentiate it from neuroleptic malignant syndrome. [5]
  5. a) Discuss the ED evaluation of a patient in locked in syndrome. [5] b) Discuss the treatment modalities for paraquat poisoning. [5]
  6. a) Outline the ED approach to acute vertigo. [5] b) Differentiate peripheral vs central causes of acute vertigo. [5]
  7. a) Describe the clinical features and treatment of cyanide poisoning. [5] b) Discuss the role of hydroxocobalamin in treatment of cyanide poisoning. [5]
  8. a) Discuss the ED management of acute gout flare. [5] b) Describe the role of colchicine and corticosteroids in management of acute gout flare. [5]
  9. a) Outline the approach to acute haemoptysis in the ED. [5] b) Discuss indications for bronchoscopy and embolization in management of acute haemoptysis. [5]
  10. a) Describe the ED evaluation of acute headache. [5] b) Discuss red flag features and indications for neuroimaging. [5]

Paper 4

  1. a) Discuss the role of high-sensitivity troponin in chest pain evaluation. [5] b) Describe the HEART score and its application. [5]
  2. a) Outline the principles of ECPR in emergency settings. [5] b) Discuss indications and contraindications for ECPR. [5]
  3. a) Describe the use of point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric trauma. [5] b) Discuss the FAST protocol in children. [5]
  4. a) Discuss the ED management of febrile seizures in children. [5] b) Describe the role of antipyretics and benzodiazepines. [5]
  5. a) Outline the approach to pediatric status asthmaticus. [5] b) Discuss the role of magnesium sulphate and ketamine. [5]
  6. a) Describe the ED evaluation of pediatric dehydration. [5] b) Discuss fluid therapy in moderate vs severe dehydration. [5]
  7. a) Discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency department triage and decision support systems. [5] b) Summarize recent evidence / updates in ACLS. [5]
  8. a) Define sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Illustrate with a 2x2 contingency table. [5] b) A new rapid test for pediatric meningitis has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 85%. In a population with 10% disease prevalence, calculate the PPV and NPV. Interpret the results in the context of emergency decision-making. [5]
  9. a) PRAM - Pediatric respiratory assessment measure. [5] b) Write the ED algorithm of managing a child with bronchiolitis. [5]
  10. a) Outline recent advances in sepsis biomarkers. [5] b) Discuss the role of procalcitonin and lactate in pediatric sepsis. [5]

DNB Emergency Medicine June 2025 Question Paper

Paper 1

  1. a) Enumerate any two femoral traction splints used in prehospital phase. Write indications and contraindications of these femoral traction splints used in prehospital phase. [2+5] b) Guidelines for cervical spine clearance in the field. [3]
  2. a) Incident command system of disaster. b) Four color-coded triage categories. [5+5]
  3. a) Enumerate high risk chemicals that compromise oxygen delivery outlining their mechanism of action. [4] b) Discuss the different types of radiation and commonly used radiation monitoring equipment. [3+3]
  4. a) Metabolic acidosis. b) Describe the mechanism of action, contraindications and complications of succinylcholine. [5+5]
  5. a) Discuss ECG features of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. b) Describe emergency room management of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. [3+7]
  6. a) Procedural sedation and analgesia for fracture of upper end of humerus in the emergency room. b) Surgical cricothyroidotomy. [5+5]
  7. a) Discuss management algorithm of Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) in cardiac arrest resuscitation. b) Diagnosis of sepsis in the emergency room. [5+5]
  8. a) Laboratory evaluation and imaging tests for hepatobiliary disease. b) Management of dog bite. [5+5]
  9. a) Discuss failed intubation drill in pediatric age group compared to adults. b) Describe causes, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hypokalemia. [5+5]
  10. a) Anatomy of layers of scalp and hair apposition technique. [3+3] b) Post-injury tetanus prophylaxis. [4]

Paper 2

  1. a) Classify and enumerate different types of shock. b) Write briefly about neurogenic shock. c) Flail chest. [3+2+5]
  2. a) Cerebral autoregulation. b) Discuss anticoagulation reversal treatment in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) who are receiving anticoagulation or anti-platelet therapy. [5+5]
  3. a) Enumerate and describe the unstable cervical spine fractures, including their mechanisms of injury, radiological and clinical characteristics. b) How do you shift a patient with cervical spine injury? [5+5]
  4. a) Le-Fort injury patterns. b) Discuss Penetrating neck trauma protocol. [5+5]
  5. a) Discuss diagnostic algorithm and treatment for suspected ectopic pregnancy. b) Definitions of pre-eclampsia and laboratory evaluation for pre-eclampsia. [5+5]
  6. a) Galeazzi's fracture dislocation and Monteggia's fracture dislocation. b) Gustilo classification of open tibia shaft fractures. [5+5]
  7. a) Orbital vs periorbital cellulitis. b) Differential diagnosis of the red eye. [5+5]
  8. a) Draw a labeled diagram of the right tympanic membrane as viewed through an otoscope and outline the management of tympanic membrane perforation. b) Describe the optimal management of a completely displaced tooth, focusing on care at scene and emergency room treatment. [3+2+5]
  9. a) Discuss diagnostic studies, treatment and complications of acute pancreatitis. b) Approach to a patient with bowel obstruction. [5+5]
  10. a) Discuss differential diagnosis of atraumatic back pain syndromes. b) Jersey finger. [5+5]

Paper 3

  1. a) Differential diagnosis and treatment of heat stroke in emergency room. b) Discuss clinical features and treatment of Oleander poisoning. [5+5]
  2. a) Emergency department management of anaphylaxis. b) Treatment of bee sting. c) Explain the emergency department management of community acquired pneumonia. [3+2+5]
  3. a) Management of kerosene poisoning. b) Discuss clinical features, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of acid ingestion. [5+5]
  4. a) Discuss causes for hyponatremia and management of hyponatremia symptomatic seizures. b) Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [5+5]
  5. a) Enumerate stroke mimics with its distinguishing clinical features. b) Discuss thrombolytic methods in acute ischemic stroke. [5+5]
  6. a) Discuss imaging, lumbar puncture findings and medical management of the subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department. b) Discuss rapid tranquilization in emergency room for combative patients. [5+5]
  7. a) Describe clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of hypoglycemia in emergency department. b) Stevens-Johnson syndrome. [5+5]
  8. a) Discuss emergency department evaluation of hemodialysis patients. b) Hepatic encephalopathy. [5+5]
  9. a) Diagnosis and treatment of acute pericarditis. b) Contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. [5+5]
  10. a) Role of 2D echocardiography in myocardial infarction. b) Management of organophosphorus insecticide poisoning. [5+5]

Paper 4

  1. a) Write about neonatal resuscitation. b) Discuss indications, contraindications and technique of intraosseous vascular access. [5+5]
  2. a) Describe initial fluid resuscitation treatment and maintenance fluid therapy of acute severe dehydration in a 40 kg child due to diarrhea. b) Discuss differential diagnosis and treatment of severe croup in a 1-year-old child. [5+5]
  3. a) Discuss laboratory investigations and treatment of Tumor Lysis syndrome in a 11-year-old child with cancer on chemotherapy. b) Testicular torsion in 12-year-old boy. [5+5]
  4. a) Discuss clinical features, diagnostic investigations and treatment of appendicitis in a 5-year-old child. b) Pain scale for infant and toddlers. [6+4]
  5. a) Discuss management of patient of cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation during cardiac resuscitation. b) Selective aortic arch perfusion. [5+5]
  6. a) Approach to the evaluation of new-onset pediatric seizures and treatment algorithm for status epilepticus. b) Ventilatory waveforms and their clinical importance. [5+5]
  7. a) Discuss equipment needed, technique and outcomes assessment of transcutaneous pacing. b) Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. [5+5]
  8. a) Discuss bedside ultrasonography use to identify acute heart failure in dyspneic patient in emergency room. b) Discuss point of care ultrasonography for non-traumatic acute abdominal pain in emergency room. [5+5]
  9. a) Diagnostic evaluation and emergency department treatment of newborn with Tracheoesophageal fistula. b) Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. [5+5]
  10. a) CHA2DS2-VASc score. b) Evaluation and treatment to patient with cardiogenic shock. [5+5]

High-Yield DNB Emergency Medicine Topics

A selection of 30 of the 69 important topics curated in the app from repeated DNB Emergency Medicine questions.

Resuscitation and airway — highest priority

  • Adult BLS and ACLS algorithms (2020 AHA): VF/pVT, PEA, asystole, post-ROSC care
  • Paediatric BLS and PALS: age-specific differences, paediatric arrest algorithm
  • Rapid sequence intubation: LEMON/MOANS predictors, drug choices (ketamine vs etomidate, rocuronium vs succinylcholine)

Trauma

  • Primary and secondary survey (ATLS): ABCDE, trauma triad of death, damage control resuscitation
  • Massive transfusion protocol, TEG/ROTEM, whole blood transfusion
  • Head injury: GCS, secondary brain injury prevention, hyperosmolar therapy, ICP monitoring, decompressive craniectomy

Toxicology — very high yield in India

  • Organophosphorus poisoning: cholinergic syndrome, atropine and pralidoxime dosing, oxime controversy
  • Snake bite: neurotoxic vs viper envenomation, ASV indications/dosing, 20-minute whole blood clotting test
  • Paracetamol overdose: Rumack-Matthew nomogram, N-acetylcysteine

Cardiovascular emergencies

  • ACS/STEMI/NSTEMI: ECG, high-sensitivity troponin, HEART/GRACE scores, thrombolysis vs PCI, contraindications
  • Hypertensive emergency: organ-specific management (aortic dissection, eclampsia, stroke)
  • Aortic dissection: types, ADD-RS, medical vs surgical management

Respiratory emergencies

  • Acute severe asthma: severity assessment, stepwise management, magnesium, intubation criteria
  • COPD exacerbation: NIV, bi-level ventilation, auto-PEEP
  • Community-acquired pneumonia: CURB-65/PSI, empirical antibiotics

Neurological emergencies

  • Acute stroke: thrombolysis window, exclusion criteria, large vessel occlusion, tenecteplase vs alteplase, thrombectomy
  • Subarachnoid haemorrhage: diagnosis, grading, nimodipine, rebleed prevention
  • Status epilepticus: stepwise benzodiazepine-resistant protocol

Medical emergencies and electrolytes

  • DKA and HHS: diagnostic criteria, fluid and insulin protocols
  • Hyperkalaemia: ECG changes, calcium, insulin-dextrose, dialysis indications
  • Hyponatraemia and hypernatraemia: acute symptomatic management

Obstetric and gynaecological emergencies

  • Eclampsia/preeclampsia/HELLP: magnesium sulphate, antihypertensives, delivery timing
  • Postpartum haemorrhage: E-MOTIVE, uterotonics, massive transfusion
  • Ectopic pregnancy: diagnosis, methotrexate vs surgery

Paediatric emergencies

  • Neonatal resuscitation (NRP): algorithm, meconium, prematurity
  • Febrile seizures, status epilepticus in children, meningitis in neonate
  • Foreign body aspiration, testicular torsion, appendicitis in children

Environmental and disaster

  • Heat stroke: types, cooling methods; hypothermia and TTM
  • Dengue and malaria: severe disease recognition and management
  • Disaster triage: START, four colour codes, hospital disaster plan

Older DNB Emergency Medicine Question Papers

The remaining 18 papers are available in the Prep DNB app, organized paper-wise with repeat-question tracking.

Get all 20 papers in the app

Previous Year Questions for Other DNB Subjects